Using your hands, mash together the ground beef so it becomes more cohesive.
Using a kitchen scale, measure out 2 oz. portions of beef.
Shape the portions into patties with your hands.
Place patties on a plate or platter and refrigerate to firm up before cooking, about 1 hour.
Heat grill or pan over medium-high heat.
Brush oil on beef patties and season with salt and pepper.
Once grill or pan is hot, place beef patties, seasoned side down. Do not crowd the patties or move them while they are cooking. Do not press on them with the spatula.
Let cook for about 2.5 - 3 minutes before flipping.
Season with salt and pepper again. If making cheeseburgers, top with sliced cheese to let it melt on the burger while it is cooking.
Cook another 2.5 - 3 minutes.
Remove from pan and let the meat rest a minute before placing in a bun.
Notes
This recipe makes burger patties that are suitable for small burgers or sliders. Adjust the portion size of each beef patty accordingly if you want larger patties.
If you make the patties thicker, they will require more cooking time on each side.
You can also freeze the patties ahead of time (separating each patty with parchment paper) and cook them straight from the freezer when you want them.